True, HIE can be hit and miss. I stay in 1-2 differnt ones monthly. This was a miss. The hotel staff was friendly, but we noticed immediate issues with the room. It had a generally dirty feel and the bathroom smelled like something had died. It was late, so we stuck it out but did not stay the second night. Wouldnt recommend.

This is middle America and the rooms are BIG, where I come from HolidayInn Express is small! Two comfort large double beds, functional decor, OK bathroom (didn't like the shower, which all shower and no water) and interestingly some good prints on the walls.
Free good speed internet
Free breakfast, nothing special but quick and fills the spaces.
On balance good value

Admittedly, I was already in a bad mood as I had to stay the night in Dallas because my AA flight was so delayed coming in I missed my connection. The hotel staff were pleasant, the room was quite comfortable (very large), on the surface, all would be fine. However, I woke up in the morning COVERED in bites. They look like flea bites and itch like nothing else. I must have 50+ on each leg. Honestly, be warned if you stay there.

Stayed for 4 nigjhts at the end of Aug with Wife and 10 Year old daughter. The main plus for this hotel is the staff. All could not do enough to make us feel comfortable. A special mention to Michelle who ferried us round to the mall and Target. She always had a smile on her face. We used the pool on this trip and my daughter loved it. My wife missed that there were no loungers.
The breakfast was excellent again with a good mix of hot and cold items.

My only gripe was the carpets. They are showing their age and vacuming them is not doing much. They need a good steam clean